Arnold Magnetic enters samarium oxide supply agreement with Solvay, Less Common Metals

Arnold Magnetic Technologies partners with Solvay to ensure samarium oxide supply for the European Aerospace Industry's demand.

New York-based Arnold Magnetic Technologies, a subsidiary of US conglomerate Compass Diversified, has entered a multi-year supply agreement for Western-origin samarium oxide through its continuing relationship with UK metal and alloy maker Less Common Metals and a new partnership with Belgian specialty chemical manufacturer Solvay, the company said on Tuesday December 2.

“As market demand accelerates for sustainable, Western-sourced magnet materials, Arnold is taking decisive action to guarantee supply and provide commercial flexibility for our customers,” Aaron Williams, chief commercial officer of Arnold Magnetic Technologies, said.

“We are very pleased to partner with LCM and Arnold Magnetic Technologies to provide essential resources for high-performance applications, particularly in the strategic domain of the European Aerospace Industry,” An Nuyttens, president of GBU Special Chem at Solvay, said.

Samarium is a heavy rare earth element used in samarium-cobalt (SmCo) permanent magnets, which are primarily used for defense applications. SmCo magnets and all products containing samarium have been under Chinese export controls since April 4 2025.

This latest news follows Solvay’s announcement on November 13 that it has signed two separate deals to supply rare earth oxides to US magnet makers Noveon Magnetics and Permag.

Arnold has manufacturing facilities in the UK, US, Switzerland, Thailand and China and produces engineered magnetic assemblies in addition to high-performance permanent magnets, precision foil products, and highly loaded composites needed for motors, generators, sensors, and other systems and components.

UK-based rare earths metal maker and specialty alloy producer LCM was acquired by American miner USA Rare Earth on November 18.

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